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Poll Shows Majority Favor Path To Citizenship For Undocumented
A new poll released Jan. 18 shows a majority of voters favor a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States.
The poll was sponsored by pro-immigrant reform groups earlier this month. It was jointly conducted by the Democratic-leaning Hart Research Associates and the Republican-leaning Public Opinion Strategies. The two firms questioned Democratic, Republican and Independent voters.
The poll showed that more than 80 percent of those voters believed that fixing the nation's immigration system should be a priority for congress. It also showed that more than half, 63 percent, supported eventual citizenship as long as certain requirements, like paying taxes and learning English, were met.
Separate polls done before last year's presidential election showed Americans prioritized the economy, healthcare and education before immigration.
The poll is similar to a poll done by NBC News and the Wall Street Journal this month that found 52 percent of respondents support legalization for the undocumented.
The non-partisan Pew Research Center did a poll last year showing Americans support stronger border enforcement as much as they support immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship.
President Barack Obama has promised to make immigration a priority this year. While some Republican leaders have expressed similar support their plans differ slightly from the president's.